Asylum

When did you start your business?

Our store opened in 1990 and have supported the local surfboard, skateboard and bodyboard scene since opening our doors, fighting to help Oceanside's extreme sports scene become what it is today.

Do you consider the location of your shop a key factor to the business’s success?

Being just up from the beach is huge to the success of our Surf Store due to the easy access for the local surfer, bodyboarders and tourist to all their surf needs. Our skate store is also located in the heart of downtown making it a draw for all the core skaters in the area.

Who is your average buyer?

We have a large support from the local and surrounding skating community that ranges in demographic that supports our skate store and then as for the surf shop we have a solid crew of local surfers and then a large support from the military community on the base next to us.

If a total Barney walks in do you treat him with the same respect as a full on loc?

Definitaly, we all start as total barneys and the surf store is the place to learn how to become a local or begin your way to becoming a local.

What is the dumbest question a customer has ever asked?

Why doesnt this surf board work, it doesnt ride like the rest of the locals out there (after his first time surfing).

Do you have a mascot (ex. - An animal that roams freely throughout the building)?

Yes our manager is a hairy bodyboarding animal.

is the craziest return a customer has ever tried to make?

The surf board from above.

Does your store support any local surfers or have a surf team?

We have a sick surfboard, skateboard and bodyboard team.

What is your most annoying grom story?

Too many to count.

Have you ever had any type of celeb roll in and make a purchase?

Few pros surfers, skateboards and bodyboards stop in once and a while, but its Oceanside so no celebs.

Have you ever pulled a hot chick/guy solely due to the fact that you own/manage a surf shop?

NO, the opposite.

How many days a week do you surf now compared to before you owned/managed a surf shop?

At least 3 times a week, store opens at 10am only.

Who is your favorite surfer and why?

Jordy Smith something new in a blur of the surf industry.

Has a customer trying on clothes ever walked out completely naked?

NO!

Has a person ever walked in totally blitzkrieged (really intoxicated) and tried to make a purchase? If so elaborate.

All the time. Guys come in smelling needing to change clothes so they just buy a whole new outfit and we throw their old stuff away.

Every store has to deal with shoplifting. What is your most memorable experience and what is your shoplifting policy?

A mom trying to steal and then chewing out the manager for being from South Africa telling him to go back home.

And last but not least tell us one of the craziest shop stories you can remember?

Worker splitting his head open and blood spewing all over the place as customers watch in awe. Yeahhhh...